The problem of keeping track of vehicles off the road for maintenance and repair is a frustration for many fleet managers.

Often parts are delayed or additional faults are discovered, extending the time a vehicle is out of service.

Now Arval has launched a system that it claims reduces vehicle downtime by around 15%.

The online service provides a platform through which Arval’s downtime management team tracks the status of customer vehicles as they are being repaired, allowing them to chase progress and keep customers informed.

Jenny Powley, director for large corporate groups at Arval, said: “Our new downtime management team have the technical expertise to understand the issues involved with any repair, validate the garage’s responses and ensure that delays are minimised.

"It is their job to remain in regular contact with garages and, if need be, chase for further progress if the system indicates the job has been stalled.”